Article
Plant Sciences
Marjan Niketic, Sanja Z. Durovic, Gordana Tomovic, Peter Schoenswetter, Bozo Frajman
Summary: The Balkan Peninsula is a hotspot of European biodiversity, and Cerastium decalvans is an endemic heteroploid species in the region. Using flow cytometry and AFLPs, researchers found that the distribution and morphological differentiation of the species are related to the ploidy level. They also identified multiple (auto)polyploidization events leading to the origin of octoploid populations and two allopolyploidization events leading to the origin of hexadecaploids. The study highlights the importance of the Balkan Peninsula as a sanctuary for plant diversification.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alan Alvarez-Holguin, Carlos Raul Morales-Nieto, Raul Corrales-Lerma, Jesus Alejandro Prieto-Amparan, Federico Villarreal-Guerrero, Ricardo Alonso Sanchez-Gutierrez
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic structure of 85 sideoats grama populations in Mexico and modeled the environmental niche of genetic clusters of this species over time. The genetic analysis revealed two genetically different clusters with different environmental niches at present time, which necessitate the use of local germplasm from each environmental niche for selection and restoration programs. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of considering climate change for genotypes selection and restoration programs as the environmental niche of genetic clusters will change in the future.
Article
Plant Sciences
Spela Pungarsek, Jasna Dolenc Koce, Martina Bacic, Michael H. J. Barfuss, Peter Schoenswetter, Bozo Frajman
Summary: This study examined the relationships among different species of Luzula sect. Luzula in the Eastern Alps using relative genome size and karyotype estimations, as well as AFLP fingerprinting. The study found the co-occurrence of multiple ploidies and species at the same localities, with partial fragmentation of chromosomes leading to the recurrent formation of agmatoploid individuals. Further research is needed to determine if this pattern is common in Luzula sect. Luzula and if ecological niche segregation supports the frequent co-occurrence of closely related cytotypes in mixed populations.
Article
Ecology
Russell S. Pfau, Ashley N. Kozora, Ana B. Gatica-Colima, Philip S. Sudman
Summary: This study examined the genetic diversity of the desert pocket gopher, Geomys arenarius, using multilocus nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. The research found two subspecies of this endemic species, each with distinct genetic differences. Mapping of potentially habitable soils revealed barriers to dispersal. Populations of the southern subspecies had higher genetic diversity, possibly due to greater availability of suitable soils or higher food density.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lijuan Liu, Giovanni Astuti, Andrea Coppi, Lorenzo Peruzzi
Summary: Hybridization and introgression have a significant impact on the taxonomically controversial genus Pulmonaria. The P. hirta complex shows complex systematic relationships and phenotypic differences in southern Europe, with molecular and morphological evidence of hybrid origin and gene flow between different clades. Despite some morphological differentiation, there are intermediate features between different morphs, indicating ongoing gene flow between these taxa.
Article
Ecology
Luise Wraase, Victoria M. Reuber, Philipp Kurth, Mekbib Fekadu, Sebsebe Demissew, Georg Miehe, Lars Opgenoorth, Ulrike Selig, Zerihun Woldu, Dirk Zeuss, Dana G. Schabo, Nina Farwig, Thomas Nauss, Temuulen Sankey, Jin Wu
Summary: Subterranean animals shape their environments worldwide through soil perturbation and herbivory. Satellite-based remote sensing approaches can be used to predict the distribution of subterranean species. Combining in-situ collected data with remotely sensed data can improve the prediction of subterranean species across a large spatial scale.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Ming Weng, David H. Kavanaugh, Sean D. Schoville
Summary: The evolutionary histories of alpine species are closely related to their response to glaciation, with population structure influenced by drainage basins. Taking into account species' ecological preferences is crucial for understanding their response to climate fluctuations.
Article
Zoology
Yonas Meheretu, Ondrej Mikula, Daniel Frynta, Petra Frydlova, Getachew Mulualem, Leonid A. Lavrenchenko, Danila S. Kostin, Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi, Radim Sumbera, Josef Bryja
Summary: The study investigates the speciation processes in the Horn of Africa during the Plio-Pleistocene period and its significance for understanding the evolution of biodiversity patterns in this understudied region. Using comprehensive genomic and morphological data, the researchers identify three species within the murid genus Ochromyscus. Despite their morphological similarity, these species diverged before the Pleistocene and show genetic divergence comparable to that seen between sister genera of murine rodents. The colonization of Arabia by one of the species may have occurred through a recent continental bridge or by spreading along the eastern coast of the Red Sea.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Emina Sunje, Belma Kalamujic Stroil, Jean Raffaelli, Adnan Zimic, Olivier Marquis
Summary: The study reveals that the Alpine newt population from Mt. Vranica is under severe anthropogenic pressure but still survives in water bodies surrounding Proko3ko Lake. Genetic analysis shows that these newts possess a unique evolutionary unit originating from the Lake, highlighting their importance for conservation efforts.
Article
Plant Sciences
Duilio Iamonico, Olga De Castro, Emanuela Di Iorio, Gianluca Nicolella, Mauro Iberite
Summary: This study investigates four endemic species from the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy and the Ponziane Archipelago using molecular and morphometric analyses. The results provide new information about the taxonomy of these species and suggest that they should be considered as a single species entity.
Article
Zoology
Christophe DUFRESNES, Nicolas RODRIGUES, Romain SAVARY
Summary: This study compared the genomic phylogeographies of two amphibians in the Swiss Alps, revealing that the common frog had higher genetic divergences and lower within-population variation compared to the Alpine salamander. The unique glacial histories of the frog and salamander played a significant role in shaping their intraspecific diversity and structure, emphasizing the variability of phylogeographic responses to the Quaternary glaciations.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline Batistim Oswald, Rafael Felix de Magalhaes, Paulo C. A. Garcia, Fabricio R. Santos, Selvino Neckel-Oliveira
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of the threatened frog Ischnocnema manezinho and confirms its restricted range to Santa Catarina Island in Brazil. It also highlights the threat posed by urban expansion and emphasizes the need for protection and monitoring.
Article
Ecology
Lianghong Ni, Weitao Li, Zhili Zhao, Dorje Gaawe, Tonghua Liu
Summary: Gentiana crassicaulis, an endemic alpine species in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountain region, exhibits high genetic diversity at the edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Molecular dating suggests that its diversification occurred before the Last Glacial Maximum, indicating its expansion from the edge to the plateau. Ecological niche modeling demonstrates its survival on the plateau and retreat to the southern edge during the Last Glacial Maximum, followed by further expansion to the plateau.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Luis Garcia-Castano, Francisco Balao, Maria Teresa Lorenzo, Errol Vela, Seghir Hadjadj-Aoul, Stephen Mifsud, Anass Terrab
Summary: This study examines the genetic structure of Tetraclinis articulata populations and identifies four lineages that are geographically intermixed to a certain extent. Evidence suggests an ancient widespread distribution, followed by the appearance of isolated lineages that are now partially intermixed.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sanja Z. Durovic, Martina Temunovic, Marjan Niketic, Gordana Tomovic, Peter Schonswetter, Bozo Frajman
Summary: The study found that despite the unequal climatic niches among the three Cerastium taxa, they share similarities in their overall phylogeographic structure, suggesting similar underlying processes and responses to historical events. It is anticipated that these taxa will respond differently to ongoing climate warming.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael D. Nowak, Siri Birkeland, Terezie Mandakova, Rimjhim Roy Choudhury, Xinyi Guo, Anna Lovisa S. Gustafsson, Abel Gizaw, Audun Schroder-Nielsen, Marco Fracassetti, Anne K. Brysting, Loren Rieseberg, Tanja Slotte, Christian Parisod, Martin A. Lysak, Christian Brochmann
Summary: The research team completed the chromosome-scale genome assembly of the plant Draba nivalis adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, revealing expanded gene families associated with drought and cold stress, possibly driven by transposable elements. Tests of positive selection identified candidate genes associated with meiosis, photoperiodism, cold, drought, and oxidative stress responses.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ali Zeynu, Tigist Wondimu, Sebsebe Demissew
Summary: This study documented 67 medicinal plant species used by the Afar people in Ethiopia, with 13 species effective against snake bites and 9 species for treating malaria, common cold, and fever. Efficient use of herbal medicine has minimized the impact of these diseases in the area.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Mario Mairal, Mary Namaganda, Abel Gizaw, Desalegn Chala, Christian Brochmann, Pilar Catalan
Summary: The study reveals higher genetic diversity in the westernmost populations of East Africa, which show similarities with West African populations and the Ethiopian Simen Mountains. Multiple long-distance dispersals (LDD) of Festuca abyssinica among eastern African sky-islands were supported, with at least two dispersal events between the two sides of Africa.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Abel Gizaw, Juan Manuel Gorospe, Martha Kandziora, Desalegn Chala, Lovisa Gustafsson, Abush Zinaw, Luciana Salomon, Gerald Eilu, Christian Brochmann, Filip Kolar, Roswitha Schmickl
Summary: Research has found that the species diversity in Dendrosenecio genus began between the Late Miocene and the Pleistocene, when high elevation habitats first emerged in East Africa. Analysis identified four major clades corresponding to geographically distant mountain groups. Species delimitation analysis supported 10 species, with only five receiving full support.
Review
Plant Sciences
Christian Brochmann, Abel Gizaw, Desalegn Chala, Martha Kandziora, Gerald Eilu, Magnus Popp, Michael D. Pirie, Berit Gehrke
Summary: Olov Hedberg's work on the tropical alpine flora of the African sky islands has provided valuable insights. Recent studies suggest that colonization of the afroalpine habitat was dominated by long-distance dispersals, resulting in a rich flora of local endemics. The flora was shaped by strong intermountain isolation rather than ecological connectivity, and genetic data indicate a unique but fragile diversity that is vulnerable to extinction due to climate warming and human impact.
Article
Plant Sciences
A. Lovisa S. Gustafsson, Galina Gussarova, Liv Borgen, Hajime Ikeda, Alexandre Antonelli, Lucas Marie-Orleach, Loren H. Rieseberg, Christian Brochmann
Summary: This study finds that post-zygotic reproductive isolation is common in Arctic flora, and this may be associated with glacial cycles and selfing mating systems.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martha Kandziora, Berit Gehrke, Magnus Popp, Abel Gizaw, Christian Brochmann, Michael D. Pirie
Summary: The colonization and diversification history of the afroalpine flora in Africa, which is highly endemic but species-poor, has been studied using phylogenetic relationships and molecular dating methods. Most lineages appear to have colonized the afroalpine during the last 5 or 10 million years, and the accumulation of species has increased exponentially toward the present. This study contributes to our understanding of the colonization processes on different tropical sky islands and provides insights into the shaping of their remarkable floras.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mistire Yifru, Brita Stedje, Tigist Wondimu, Tamrat Bekele, Sebsebe Demissew
Summary: This study reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of Ethiopian Artemisia species using ETS and ITS sequences. It revealed that the Ethiopian species belonged to three subgenera, with Ethiopian A. absinthium being closely related to A. judaica and distantly related to European A. absinthium. Artemisia abyssinica and A. schimperi showed affinities to A. subg. Pacifica.
Article
Plant Sciences
Phen Garrett, Hannes Becher, Galina Gussarova, Claude W. dePamphilis, Rob W. Ness, Shyam Gopalakrishnan, Alex D. Twyford
Summary: This study conducted a phylogenomic analysis of Euphrasia species and found extensive phylogenetic discordance at deeper and shallower nodes, with broad-scale geographic structure of genomic variation but a lack of definitive taxonomic signal.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eshetu Fentaw, Kifle Dagne, Tigist Wondimu, Sebsebe Demissew, Charlotte S. Bjora, Olwen M. Grace
Summary: This study aims to determine the value of Aloe in the Highlands of Ethiopia by documenting local uses and perceptions. Eleven species of Aloe were found to be used for various purposes, with the majority used for human medicine. While no evidence of non-sustainable harvesting for medicine was found, extensive habitat loss and commercial uses pose significant threats to Aloe species in the central and northern Highlands of Ethiopia.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Fashing, Nga Nguyen, Sebsebe Demissew, Abel Gizaw, Anagaw Atickem, Addisu Mekonnen, Niina O. Nurmi, Jeffrey T. Kerby, Nils Chr Stenseth
Summary: Ethiopia is home to rich and unique fauna and flora, but these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change and human population growth. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the biodiversity in Ethiopia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carme Blanco-Gavalda, Merce Galbany-Casals, Alfonso Susanna, Santiago Andres-Sanchez, Randall J. Bayer, Christian Brochmann, Glynis V. Cron, Nicola G. Bergh, Nuria Garcia-Jacas, Abel Gizaw, Martha Kandziora, Filip Kolar, Javier Lopez-Alvarado, Frederik Leliaert, Rokiman Letsara, Lucia D. Moreyra, Sylvain G. Razafimandimbison, Roswitha Schmickl, Cristina Roquet
Summary: The Afromontane and Afroalpine areas in Africa are important biodiversity hotspots with rich plant endemics. This study focused on the plant genus Helichrysum and revealed its southern African origin and repeated colonization of the Afromontane and Afroalpine areas. The timing of these events coincide with mountain uplift and glacial cycles, suggesting their role in speciation and gene flow in the evolution of the Afroalpine flora.
Article
Area Studies
Leopody Gayo, Cuthbert Leonard Nahonyo, Catherine Aloyce Masao
Summary: The study identified education level, occupation, livestock numbers, livestock management, water sources, and distance from the protected area as significant factors influencing local community perceptions towards lions. Around 86% of respondents had negative perceptions towards lions. The researchers recommended compensating victims of lion attacks to reduce negative attitudes towards the species.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES
(2021)